Representative from Van Buren county, was born on a farm in Jewell county, Kansas, October 4, 1872. Was brought by his parents to Iowa in 1874. Received his education in rural schools and the Keosauqua high school. He was married December 23, 1896, at Center Point, Iowa, to Ida May Cross, now deceased. Was again married in 1926 to Ruie Sheets of Keosauqua, Iowa. Has four children: James Rex, Charles Roy, Arthur Merle and Lona Marguerite. Followed farming until January 1, 1913, when he was appointed deputy clerk of the district court of Van Buren county. Served four years and was then elected clerk of the district court and served six years, when he was again appointed deputy clerk and served four years and five months. Has also held the following offices: Township assessor, member of town council, secretary of school board and county chairman of republican central committee. Elected representative in 1928. A republican in politics.